"Too many black players!" complains former Milan boss Arrigo Sacchi

Former AC Milan and Italy coaching great Arrigo Sacchi has decided clarify his stand following the criticisms over his comment. Sacchi, on Monday, caused a stir after saying that there were too many black players in the Italian national setup.

Sacchi told Tuttosport at an award ceremony, “I'm certainly not racist and my history as a coach proves that, starting from [Frank] Rijkaard. But looking at the Viareggio tournament, I feel like saying that there are too many black players, even in the youth teams.”

“Italy has no dignity, no pride. It's not possible that our teams should have 15 foreign players in the squad.”

Viareggio is a prestigious international youth competition held every year in Viareggio, Tuscany.

Sacchi, who coached the great AC Milan side which won consecutive European Cups in 1989 and 1990, later came out to La Gazzetta dello Sport saying his comments were grossly misrepresented.

He said, “I've been misinterpreted, you think I'm really racist? All I said was I saw a game featuring a team who fielded four coloured players. My history speaks for itself, I've always coached teams with great players from every colour, and I've brought in a lot, whether to Milan or [Real] Madrid.”

“I only wanted to underline that we are losing our national pride and identity.”